Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs - Externship Program

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) at the U.S. has internship opportunities available for undergraduate and graduate/professional students. The EEOC prevents and remedies unlawful employment discrimination and advances equal opportunity for all in the workplace. The EEOC is the federal agency charged with enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.  OCLA represents the EEOC to the general public, the news media, and Congress. 

Applicants should have an interest in civil rights, strong Microsoft Office experience, and excellent writing, communication and organization skills.  EEOC internships are unpaid; however, interns may receive academic credit.

The EEOC is an equal opportunity employer.

The internship opportunities in OCLA include:

Communications

Communications intern assignments could include assisting OCLA communications staff with various projects such as drafting content for agency social media channels and the website, drafting press releases, drafting talking points, assisting with the development and implementation of communications strategies, assisting with media outreach and working on special projects. 

Legislative Affairs

Legislative Affairs intern assignments could include assisting OCLA legislative affairs staff with various projects such as researching and tracking legislative issues and bills, developing materials for dissemination to congressional staff, drafting responses to congressional inquiries, and attending and participating in congressional briefings.

Advice, Audits, and External Reports

Intern assignments could include assisting OCLA staff in researching and responding to inquiries and requests from the Congressional Budget Office, the Government Accountability Office and the Office of Management and Budget, preparing agency reports, and researching and preparing legal and policy advice and memoranda for OCLA staff on issues involving communications, legislative affairs, and agency procedures.  Law students strongly preferred.

Private Sector Outreach and Training

Private sector outreach and training intern assignments could include assisting OCLA outreach staff with various projects such as researching and identifying community and advocacy partners throughout the country, drafting marketing materials for free and fee-based training, drafting talking points and presentation materials, assisting with large web-based training programs, assisting with community outreach, and working on special projects.  

Federal Sector Outreach and Training

Federal Sector Outreach and Training intern assignments could include assisting OCLA staff with the full training lifecycle by preparing and assisting with hosting training sessions, maintaining training records, issuing participant certificates, communicating with training participants, and coordinating training logistics.  

How to Apply

To apply, e-mail a cover letter and resume to OCLAInterns@eeoc.gov.  In your cover letter, please explain the requirements of your school's internship/externship program, if applicable.  Please indicate the semester or session for which you are seeking consideration and your area(s)of interest within OCLA.  Internships are available during the regular school year, as well as through the summer.

Though OCLA is located in Washington, DC, there may be opportunities to participate in our internship program remotely.  To do so, candidates must have a demonstrated ability to work independently, as evidenced by prior experience and/or statements from references.  In addition, candidates must receive approval from their University to participate in the program remotely.